Event -- THE GOLDMAN SACHS 10,000 SMALL BUSINESSES STUDENT CHALLENGE

27 May 2015
17 May 2015
09:00
14:00
Goldman Sachs Headquarters
Reception
The 2015 Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Student Challenge provides students registered at Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs) and due to graduate no earlier than December 1, 2015, with a unique opportunity to demonstrate their analytical, creative and strategic thinking by presenting innovative solutions in response to one of three small business challenges. Each challenge has been set by a business that has participated in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses New York program, providing the opportunity to positively impact the success of an established business.

Nine finalists will be invited to present their ideas at our New York office, with each finalist receiving a first round interview, and a spot in one of our Cornerstone events. In addition, the three winners will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship.

Entries will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, May 17, 2015. Students from all majors and backgrounds are encouraged to enter.

HOW THE STUDENT CHALLENGE WORKS
Students are invited to respond to one of three business challenges outlined below. Submissions will be judged on the following:
• Creativity
• Innovation
• Analytical skills
• Strategic thinking
• Practical Implementation and Commercial Viability

Please submit no more than a one-page or a one-minute video clip outlining your ideas. The three finalists in each category will be invited to present their ideas directly to a panel of judges, which will include the 10,000 Small Businesses business owner and Goldman Sachs representatives, on May 27, 2015.

Your ideas must be based on the challenges outlined in the information below,. You must not communicate directly with any of the small businesses, their CEOs or employees. Any entrant who contacts the small businesses directly will be disqualified from the Student Challenge.

WHO CAN ENTER
The 10,000 Small Businesses Student Challenge is open to students who will graduate from their degree course no earlier than December 1, 2015 and are currently registered and studying at an HBCU. Students from all degree disciplines and backgrounds are encouraged to enter. Submissions must be made by individuals and not teams.

HOW TO ENTER
Students interested in applying for the Goldman Sachs Student Challenge should visit the application website. All entries must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on May 17, 2015. Late entries will not be reviewed.

THE THREE BUSINESS CHALLENGES
The three business owners participating in the 10,000 Small Businesses Student Challenge are offering students the opportunity to positively impact their businesses, by proposing innovative ways to help solve their business challenges.

BROOKLYN CUPCAKE
Brooklyn Cupcake produces baked goods and specializes in Latin desserts. They have two retail locations and a commercial kitchen in the Dumbo and Williamsburg neighborhoods of Brooklyn. Brooklyn Cupcake holds commercial accounts at the Barclay's Center and launched an organic line of cupcakes with Whole Foods in February 2014.

Challenge:
In their own words, Brooklyn Cupcake says, “As a small business working on being a big business it is crucial that we consistently monitor and update our marketing strategy to further the Brooklyn Cupcake brand locally and throughout the country.” How can Brooklyn Cupcake leverage social media to sell more cupcakes?

LCB, INC.
LCB, Inc. specializes in trucking and hauling general freight for state agencies such as The Port Authority of NY/NJ and aggregate material for prime contractors within the New York, New Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Challenge:
LCB, Inc., is in a period of rapid growth. The business owner explains, “we are growing fast and are in need of experienced drivers to maintain the current momentum.” How can LCB, Inc., market the company to attract high quality and experienced drivers?

MALENE B CUSTOM HANDMADE CARPETS
Malene B is a custom carpet company specializing in globally inspired custom carpets for residential, commercial and hospitality environments. Malene B. creates custom carpets for private clients and distributes her product through one-on-one consultation services and from a showroom in Brooklyn, NY.

Challenge:
In Spring 2015 they will expand their product assortment to include made to order, tile, wallpaper, pillows, throws and bedding available through their ecommerce website. How can Malene B leverage it’s website to sell handmade carpets online?

This opportunity is closed to applications.